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Alfonzo eager to represent Mets at FanFest

Alfonzo eager to represent Mets at FanFest

Former Mets second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo talks about the All-Star FanFest in New York City, taking place July 12-16 at the Javits Center

By AJ Cassavell
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MLB.com |

The All-Star Game is coming to Citi Field for the first time, and it's not just the current Mets who are eager to have their stadium and city on display at the Midsummer Classic.

Edgardo Alfonzo, who spent eight seasons playing in Queens, can't wait for his former club to host the All-Star festivities. He'll be on hand for FanFest, July 12-16 at the Javits Center, where he is eager to interact with fans -- specifically the youngsters for whom he'll be signing autographs.

"It's going to be exciting for the New York fans," the former infielder said. "They deserve to see the great players around, and this FanFest is going to be great.

One of the most beloved Mets of the past couple decades, Alfonzo batted .292 with 120 homers while playing for New York from 1995-2002. In '00, he earned a trip to Atlanta for what would be his lone All-Star appearance.

"To be in the All-Star Game is one of the dreams come true," he said. "As a professional ballplayer you have a few dreams: to be in the World Series and to be in the All-Star Game. That dream came true in 2000 for me. The first thing when I walked through that locker room was to see all those big guys. You see Randy Johnson, you see Barry Bonds, you say, 'Oh, my God -- we're on the same team.'"

Alfonzo still keeps tabs on the current club and says although the Mets are struggling, they have the pieces in place to contend in the very near future. He pointed specifically to young pitchers Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler.

"I think this is going to be the future for the Mets," Alfonzo said. "You know how important it is when you have two pitchers [like that] on the same team -- when you win, it's because of the pitchers."

AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.